We’re at the point in the spring where All The Things start happening. My American friends talk about Maycember and I tend to roll my eyes…but I’m coming to realize Maycember is really more like Majunecember here in Canada. The end of May brings that start to the school-end chaos, and it keeps on streamrolling well into June.
All the kids activities are gearing up to end and school is winding down (even though it’s not over until the end of June where we live). There are concerts and extra practices and dress rehearsals. There are conferences and special events and interviews and applications for summer things.
In other words — it’s busy!
But it was a good week and there were lots of Happy Things.
SUNSHINE
There has been a lot of sunshine this week. It has been lovely and I’ve been making the most of the warmer weather. I’ve had windows open, walked to get the mail in sandals, and started blasting upbeat music with the sunroof open every time I need to drive somewhere.
Wednesday night, Indy and I were driving home from an extracurricular. After we’d dropped off his friend, he piped up from the backseat: “Mooommmm…can we…” I’ll admit my heart sank. What request is going to come from that mouth?
“Mooommmm…can we go find a place to watch the sunset.” Um, YES!!!
I hemmed and hawed about where we could make it in time for a good view before it actually set and he told me not to bother. That would never do.
In the end, we parked at the top of a hill near our home and it was perfect. Everything was golden. Of course, he found a way to make our sunset date mildly dangerous. This kid is always jumping.
Pictures never do a sunset justice, but it was a special moment nonetheless. We stayed for a few minutes and then it was home for snacks (this kid is always hungry!), and a pre-bedtime YouTube tutorial on some specialized Minecraft thing he’s attempting to build. I don’t even pretend to understand.
When we got home he asked to take a picture and climbed a tree to he could get this shot. This is straight-out-of-camera! Absolutely no editing! It was so orange!
BELLE MANAGING RIDES
Belle has so many things on the go and, for the most part, she is now managing the scheduling by herself. She had two track events last week and I didn’t get a single text from the parents who were driving her to/from. It is delightful being somewhat out of the loop. I knew the time of departure/arrival, and was there to see her off/welcome her home but what a difference to not have to be a go-between secretary.
FOOD (AND A LOT OF SALADS)
I think salad gets a bad rap. It is all about the ratios. Too many greens, for me at least, is the main problem. I want equal parts Other Things to lettuce. With that in mind (and various Glucose Revolution tidbits rattling around in my brain), I’ve been consuming salads like it is my job.
(It’s not.)
- Belle is doing a cooking unit in school and brought home apple crisp. She HATES, HATES, HATES cooked/soft fruit, but it was absolutely delicious! There is little on this earth I enjoy more than buttery crisp topping.
- I made homemade Mac n’ Cheese for lunch on Mother’s Day. So good!
- I made salmon risotto because it’s such a hit! (With a salad on the side.)
- My go-to breakfast lately has been a few eggs with a slice of prosciutto, a slice of toasted rye bread with peanut butter, a hunk of soft mozzarella, and half an avocado. It keeps me full until lunch and is such a delight to eat. I don’t want to imagine a world without eggs. They bring me SO much joy.
- Twice this week I ate lunch on the deck. One day I texted a friend who works locally — but, to my shame, I rarely make time to see. A few minutes later she showed up in my driveway ready to hang out! She had already eaten at her office, but spent the rest of her lunch break chatting and watching ME eat.
- Another day I took out a book and just soaked up the sun.
- For dessert on Mother’s Day I made lava cakes. Why not?? They’re so good…
- At-home date night with our favourite grocery-store sushi. It was delicious.
BLOG FRIENDS
- I got an e-mail from Maria that her copy of The Trolley Car Family arrived and she was enjoying reading it to her kiddos! This delighted me to my very core since this is my absolute favourite book from childhood but, since it’s quite obscure, I haven’t had anyone to discuss it with over the years!
- Jenny’s using her new bookmark! She’s also going to Waco for her son’s college graduation and her daughter won the Outstanding Sophomore award.
- I got to go on a walk-and-talk with Kyria who continues to explore the world!!! In reality we were six time zones apart, but it was easy and delightful to live vicariously through her experiences. (And I now know some insider tips about hiking the Lycian Way.) I took a picture of a pretty flowering bush while I was on the phone with her.
- Nicole sent me the cutest birthday card. I could not figure out why it looked so familiar. Then I turned it over and realized it was one of Michelle’s original designs! What a double boost of joy.
- Jana’s art studio!
- As many of you know, Sarah has been on an unexpected medical journey lately. While this isn’t the next life chapter she would have chosen, I’ve been blown away by her courage and tenacity and was delighted to learn there was so much good news from her trip to Hopkins!
- This fashion show from Ernie; I really enjoyed looking at all her outfit options!
- KRISTEN (aka The Frugal Girl) FINISHED NURSING SCHOOL!!!!!
- Kae posted travel recaps from their family trip to Utah many years ago and the pictures are stunning. Also, I could not get over the height differential.
BONUS HAPPY THINGS
- This isn’t necessarily “happy” but it made me smile. (Apparently, that doesn’t take much.) I turned out a basket of laundry and it stayed in a perfect 3D rectangle. I was disproportionately excited about this.
- I found a bathing suit with tags (and liners!) for $10 at a local consignment store. Not only was it new, it was a long-sleeved rash guard which is perfect since I am the world’s most inconsistent applier of sunscreen. AND, it has built-in cups. I do not understand why most rash guards (for women!) do not have a built-in bra. This makes zero sense. I suppose it’s so you can slip it over another bathing suit? This set comes with cups (unfortunately, they are not sewn in, but I’m not too fussed about it because I won’t be washing it nearly as often as a sports bra).
- I finally got around to patching up the dishwasher. As more and more metal prongs fall off, it leaves these sharp, irregular bits of metal (see red circles — there were about a dozen of these sharp spots) that have caused some chipping on a few dishes (all inexpensive ones — my go-to dinner plates have been fine). I found a waterproof, self-adhesive tape. So far, it’s working like a charm.
- I won a Mother’s Day prize. Last year I won a free haircut on Mother’s Day because I was the mother in church who had most recently taken their child to the emergency room (Indy for his broken thumb). This year, I won because I was able to find and answer a skill-testing question in our church’s new app first. I got a cute cup that is double-layered and has delicate flowers in the middle.
- John’s home. Phew. He has had international whiplash with so many trips back and forth across the Atlantic lately. It has been a lot of hellos and goodbyes but he is HOME for many consecutive weeks and that’s just lovely.
- It’s a Grand Prix weekend for Formula One!
- My father-in-law arrives for a week-long visit on Sunday.
- I had some silly little easy work e-mails and things I had been putting off and I just DID IT. Why do I always struggle to remember The stewing is worse than the doing?
- Reading two books I didn’t want to put down (Beautiful Ugly – 5/5 stars for me; The Clockmaker’s Daughter…started off slow and I was tempted to DNF and now I am loving it!)
Your turn.
- Cooked fruit: Yes or No?
- Happy Things in your life this week?
- What’s the last prize/draw you’ve won?
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K @ TS
I love this list! What a fun round up! I also really enjoyed our walk and talk although I wasn’t walking, just talking!!
I have been eating a lot of homemade jam and bread lately, as that is what they serve for breakfast. Actually it’s cheese, jam and bread. Delicious. So far I’ve had cherry, pomegranate and fig! Also I’ve been eating a lot of honey but that’s not cooked fruit.
Happy things! Balloons, balloons, balloons! And hiking and views and history. It’s been a full few days (and today will be too) but there’s so much to see and do! Also I had a great chat with my folks the other day, have met some wonderful people over the last few days and am having a good time. I will admit that I think I will need a couple of days “off” soon, but I’m enjoying the company and activities while I have them!
Elisabeth
I felt like I was the only one out of breath on our walk (you know there are lots of hills where I live!)
Yum. Homemade bread. There is nothing like it.
I loved seeing your picture with all those balloons! What incredible views and experiences. I totally get you on wanting a few days “off.” I feel a bit parented out these days (a lot of solo parenting lately), and I am looking forward to escaping to visit my parents for a few days. That does involve talking and people, but it’s very, very different than rushing to get kids from Point A to Point B!
mbmom11
Love you and Indy at the sunset. Also, great job on mending the dishwasher!!
No to cooked fruit, except applesauce. I’m not a big fruit fan in most forms. ( Does pumpkin bread count as fruit?)
Happy thing- I went with my son yesterday when he volunteered at the animal shelter. Kittens , cats, chaos, climbing, cuddles.
Two weeks ago, I won some items at a school auction – two prints which I remembered to frame, a cozy Halloween basket with a quilt, pillows, and misc, a jewelry set, and a piano tuning. I didn’t intend on winning the basket- I had assembled it with some other 5th grade parents- but bid on it trying to drive the price up. I really wanted the piano tuning – ours hasn’t been done for a while.
Elisabeth
I looked up replacement parts for the dishwasher and it’s almost cheaper to buy a new dishwasher (which I don’t want to do). I guess a junk yard might have something.
The tape wasn’t cheap ($14.99 I think), but there is SO much and I think I will find myself using it for all sorts of different repair jobs. And $14.99 is a lot cheaper than a new dishwasher 😉
Yay for kitty cuddles.
You got the piano tuning!!! Congrats!
Nicole MacPherson
Yay, the card made it! I’m very wary of Canada Post these days and tend to mail things like a month in advance, because who can say when things will arrive?
You know I love salads! And my garden is POPPING. I’ve already had a harvest and I’m up to my ears in greens. Yay! Love it so much!
I am with Belle, although I *can* handle cooked berries, but cooked APPLE makes me feel like dying. The thought of biting into a soft cooked apple in any form, ahhhhhh no thank you. In general I feel like cooked fruit is a waste of fruit.
Elisabeth
I just saw something about there being a chance of ANOTHER STRIKE. Like…next week? This will never do, Nicole. Plus, one of my “fun ideas” is to send snail mail each month this year. I cannot do that without Canada Post.
I will stop fretting now and focus on the fact I received your lovely card (what a sweet, perfect message inside, BTW).
Why so much hatred for cooked apples? But I guess it’s good to know she’s not alone. Warm apple crisp with a bit of whipped cream or ice cream is just divine. Though I try to leave a bit of “bite” to my apples so they’re not mush. My dad likes them so soft you might as well just pour a jar of applesauce in the bottom of a pan and call it a day.
Bijoux
I love cooked fruit. Whenever I eat a piece of fruit pie, I always reheat it in the microwave. So good! My superpower is party games – LOL! I always win something. The last thing I won a few weeks ago was a beautiful flowered plant at my niece’s baby shower.
Your sunsets are amazing! It was fun to see your son having fun outdoors.
Elisabeth
YES! All pie should be warm. I feel the same way about warm pie as I do about toilet paper. There is a right way and a wrong way. Amen.
Indy really loves sunsets. I’ll give credit to John for that. He has always been the parent that is keen to “chase a sunset” and I know that has worn off on the kids so now they really like to pursue the natural beauty of a sunset. It’s free! It’s outside! How could I say no!
M Jean Pike
May is such a busy, beautiful month. Looks like you are getting the most out of it!
Elisabeth
We’re doing our best! So far, lots of things happening and it feels like to wind down some activities that were starting to feel a bit “stale” and launch into summer mode.
Birchie
Yes to the Other Things to lettuce ratio in salads. I know exactly what you mean. I’m also a fan of grocery store sushi. And apple crisp.
The good news is that I am bursting with happy things, the bad news is that because of said happy things I don’t know when I will find time to blog but it will happen eventually. I finished and adored Go As A River, so thank you for the rec. Apart from that I’ve been hanging out with our friends! I’m coming off a three day streak of hanging out with Julie and San. I’ve gotten so spoiled.
Elisabeth
I am trying so hard to word this without sounding insanely jealous. You are my friend and I love you, but TWO BLOGGERS. AT ONE TIME. This is a bit much, Birchie. Gah. Why do I live so far from California?
I knew you would know what I meant. We are salad soul sisters. And not sure if you noticed, but I tried heart of palm!!
I am so glad you enjoyed Go As A River. I’ve had two 5-star reads this week so stay tuned for that. I have more recs coming your way.
Coree
Mayjunecember is absolutely right. T doesn’t get out til 27 June and I’m going to be crawling towards the finish line. I am super stressed with work at the moment (students, pls stop using ChatGPT) and reading and reflecting on your happy things did help. Although I will cry if I have to play camp chef next week rather than being ALONE in my own house.
My happy things from this week:
I got a cold but recovered quite quickly.
My workplace pal and I were on campus at the same time, and grabbed lunch.
It’s been so warm and sunny.
And looking forward to:
We’re going to see the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe tomorrow and have NO PLANS Sunday.
I’m home until 16 July! No trips. Will I get bored? Will I miss a Premier Inn bed? We shall see.
Elisabeth
I’m glad my happy things helps but…yikes, the end of term madness is REAL!
I hope this weekend is wonderful and restorative. And hooray for sleeping in the same bed for many consecutive weeks!
sarah
I always buy a bikini and then add a rash guard– but a bra inside would be WAY BETTER.
Elisabeth
I know, right? I hated having an extra layer to manage – wet, of course. This was the first time I had seen rash guards with a built-in bra but there were a handful for them. I wonder if enough women complained and they finally started making them more common.
I will report back!
Michelle G.
Elisabeth!!!!! ELISABETH AND NICOLE!!!! I can’t even tell you what a lovely surprise it was to see my card sent by Nicole to you. It brought happy tears to my eyes and the biggest smile to my face. I am filled with joy and warm fuzzies.
I also enjoyed the sunset photos and the meals. I’m inspired! I have no more words. I’m just happy, happy, happy!
Elisabeth
It actually took me a few days to turn it over. I could not shake the sense there was something sooo familiar. And I did a legit double-take when I saw the logo on the back!! What a delight.
Tamara R
So much interesting content . . . I am sincerely impressed!
Let’s see:
Cooked fruit: Yes to most fruits, but . . . No, No, No to cooked peaches!!! Fresh only!
Happy Things in your life this week? Several days of deep blue ocean, which is not a given in that there is often a marine-type haze that prevents the clear blue from coming through. I could feel my heart squeeze each and every time I experienced it, whether by foot or by car.
What’s the last prize/draw you’ve won? Some nice bottles of wine when my social wine club potluck offerings were selected as Dish of The Evening. Most of my prize-winning entries come from my stash of Barefoot Contessa cookbooks, so thank you Ina!
Elisabeth
A perfect fresh peach is one of the most delicious things on this planet!
Nature is incomparably beautiful!
Ohhh. You’ll have to write Ina and tell her about your joint winning streak!!
Alexandra
We too have been enjoying plenty of sunshine this week and even had two of the hottest days so far, this spring. Wednesday and Thursday we got to 30+. I’m loving the sunset with Indy, wow that kid has got some energy, what do you feed him?
Lettuce, for me, is just the delivery vehicle to sit the rest of my salad in. I love piling on the extras, but really miss eggs and cheese. *sigh*
And cooked fruit? Are you kidding, I love cooking and cooling fruit for the summer as much as making cobbler and or pies during winter. Stewed fruit and granola or alpine muesli, yummy!
Elisabeth
It was so hot yesterday I could not believe it. It felt like the middle of a heat wave in the summer. It’s back to cooler temps today.
I wish I had a fraction of his energy. He eats so much food! Toast with banana and peanut butter or breakfast or a big bowl of oatmeal. Is favourite evening snack is yogurt with granola!
Yes. Lettuce is there because I know I need greens, but what I really want to eat is everything else in my salad. After years of having 90% lettuce I’ve learned to love salads again by getting my ratios right.
My mom makes a strawberry rhubarb cake that is OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious. Yum. I’m visiting in a few weeks and I really hope she makes some while I’m there.
Ernie
I love that Indy asked you to watch the sunset with him. What a sweet moment. A joy-filled kid is one who is easy to spend time with. I’d equate his personality to Reg’s in our family.
Thanks for sharing my fashion show link. I’m packed and driving there. I took the advice into consideration abc did Not Pack the short pink/blue number. Mini is annoyed.
I do not mind fruit baked into a dessert. This is a departure from my younger self. I preferred not yo mix fruit with dessert.
Happy things: going to Tank’s graduation. Promises to be so much fun.
Elisabeth
It is such a blessing to be a happy kid. And I know some of that is genetic. It’s just…the way he is. (I was NOT that way as a kid!).
Oops. Sorry to upset Mini. Tell her a bunch of middle-aged women are to blame, not you.
Enjoy the graduation! Hope it’s a blast.
Central Calif. Artist Jana
What a happy list! Thank you for the mention and link to my site (and to other people’s, because I went to most of them and chose another blog to follow).
BOOKS:
a. I enjoyed reading Jenny’s post about her reading.
b. My library has a handful of books by the Trolley Car Family author but not the Trolley Car Family. It also doesn’t have Beautiful Ugly, which I really want to read after your 5 star rating.
c. Glad to hear that Glucose Revolution is influencing your menus and hope it keeps you from becoming pre-diabetic—like you, I am LOST without eggs.
d. I finished Go As A River—wow, what a heart-grabber. Thank you for the recommendation.
e. I ordered something else you recommended (forgot which one) at my library using their Zip books program. This is a way patrons can order a book they don’t have as long as it isn’t newer than one year or out of print. Amazon mails the book to you, and when you finish, you take it to the library with the Amazon paperwork.
SNAIL MAIL:
I would almost die without it and can’t fathom the depths of despair that a strike would bring. How does one get your mailing address if one would want to write to you? I’m thinking you probably don’t want to put it here on the worldwideweb unless it is a PO box, which it isn’t since you walked to the mailbox in sandals. 😎
Elisabeth
I have never found any other books by that author, so colour my jealous your library has some. The Trolley Car Family is such a feel good kids novel and I have so many warm memories of reading it as a child AND then to my own kids.
I’m glad you liked Go As A River. It was impactful for sure and reminded me of some older classic books (like I mentioned, The Grapes of Wrath, but also a little bit of some influence from To Kill a Mockingbird as well).
Hopefully my other recommendations will be enjoyed. It is on the longer side, but I just finished The Clockmaker’s Daughter and thought it was excellent. It does take a while to get “into” the book. I almost stopped reading it. But it’s a slow, gentle book but it has elements of mystery to it.
I just sent you an e-mail with my mailing address and asked for yours. 🙂